Age Groups
The youngest age group for Nippers is the Under 6’s. For the 2023/24 season this includes children who are born between 1 October 2017 – 30 September 2018.
A slightly younger child may take part – however they must have turned 5 years of age beforehand (eg. your child may turn 5 in November of the current season, they can start Nippers after their birthday). Note that your child will “repeat” the Under 6 age group the following year – ie. they will be in Under 6 for the 2024/25 season as well.
No. All children must participate in their correct age group.
| Age Group | Born between |
|---|---|
| Under 6 | 1 October 2017 – 30 September 2018 |
| Under 7 | 1 October 2016 – 30 September 2017 |
| Under 8 | 1 October 2015 – 30 September 2016 |
| Under 9 | 1 October 2014 – 30 September 2015 |
| Under 10 | 1 October 2013 – 30 September 2014 |
| Under 11 | 1 October 2012 – 30 September 2013 |
| Under 12 | 1 October 2011 – 30 September 2012 |
| Under 13 | 1 October 2010 – 30 September 2011 |
| Under 14 | 1 October 2009 – 30 September 2010 |
Preliminary and Competition Evaluation
All Nippers, Under 6’s to Under 14’s, need to complete an ANNUAL Preliminary Evaluation which includes a float, pool swim or both as part of their Nippers Registration. This ensures a minimum and safe standard of swimming and survival ability for water activities at Nippers.
All Nippers, Under 9’s to Under 14’s, need to complete an ANNUAL Competition Evaluation which includes an ocean swim, around a swim course, as part of their Nippers Registration. This ensures a minimum and safe standard of swimming and survival ability for water activities at Nippers.
- Preliminary Evaluation – this is a still water proficiency conducted for all junior members, Under 6’s to Under 14’s, at the Kingscliff Pool, before the season begins. Check the season calendar for exact days and times.
- Competition Evaluation – this is an ocean swim proficiency conducted for junior members, Under 9’s to Under 14’s, on Kingscliff Beach, during the first few weeks of Nippers.
There are specified days set at the beginning of each season for the Preliminary Evaluation and Competition Evaluation to be completed, which must be conducted under the supervision of Cudgen Headland SLSC Delegates. There are additional times that these evaluations can be completed later on in the season.
For Under 6’s and Under 7’s – There will be other opportunities to complete the Preliminary Evaluation once Nippers starts.
For Under 8’s – Under 14’s – If your child does not meet the Preliminary Evaluation requirements, they will not be able to take part in any water activities at Nippers. They may take part in beach activities only until they have completed these requirements. There will be other opportunities to complete the Preliminary Evaluation once Nippers starts.
If your child does not meet the Competition Evaluation requirements (Under 9’s – Under 14’s), they cannot take part in any water activities at Nippers, aside from the Wade, for now. There will be other opportunities to complete the Competition Evaluation once Nippers starts.
Many children feel nervous about the Competition Evaluation swim. There are plenty of other junior members completing the swim, as well as lots of water safety and older kids on hand to help calm their nerves. Children must do the swim unaided, but support will be nearby.
Please don’t push your child to do the Competition Evaluation swim if they are hesitant, scared or upset. Let them do the pool swim for now. Then come along to the first weeks of Nippers, where they can be encouraged and supported to become fully proficient.
Membership Types
When completing your Nippers registration your child will be a ‘Junior Activity Member’.
Yes, all age managers must join as an ‘Associate Member’ as a minimum and hold a Working with Children’s Check which can be completed through the following link https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-working-children-check.
At least one parent/carer from each family must become a member of Cudgen Headland SLSC. It is compulsory for at least one parent/carer to join as a member of Cudgen Headland SLSC. It ensures you are covered by insurance when helping out at Nippers (eg. setting up the beach, helping run an activity etc).
Uniforms
A range of Cudgen Headland SLSC swimwear and other items are available in our Online Store (pick up at the club).
The compulsory uniform items are:
- Nippers age cap – $13
- Pink high-vis rashie – $15
All Cudgen Headland Nipper uniforms are on sale at registration days, and most Sunday mornings in the clubhouse (before Nippers starts at 9am) and also at our online Online Store (pick up at the club).
